Soldiers shoot for BCS title prediction

IRAQ (KXAN) - Soldiers in Iraq are making predictions of their own about who the BCS National Champions will be - and all by playing some of their own competitive football.

A group of creative soldiers get together each week and brainstorm to come up with some crazy ideas. Self-titled the Mad Men, this unique soldier assembly saw Thursday's National Title Game at the Rose Bowl on the calendar and thought, 'How could we celebrate the BCS game?'

"It's just a good way to participate," said Task Force Marne Maj. Jeff Allen, who is stationed in Iraq. "There are 22,000 soldiers stationed in the northern part of Iraq."

Altogether, four football games ensued throughout provinces in Iraq, including Mosul and Tikrit. Teams were outfitted by opposing Longhorn and Crimson Tide fans.

Task Force Marne plays flag football game

As far as the predicted BCS National Championship winner:

"When it comes to using [the games] as a predictor, it was too close to call, but we had fun doing it," said Allen.

Out of the four games, the "Longhorns" and "Crimson Tide" ended neck to neck with a tie.

While Allen said many of the soldiers are football fans, there are plenty back home they would love to be watching the game with.

"We wish we could be home with our family watching it on TV, eating some popcorn, enjoying a beverage," said Allen.

It is the soldiers' way of connecting with people in the United States, all while raising morale and good health with the distraction.

"People in America know that their soldiers are doing a good job over here," said Allen. "Looking forward to the time when we can come forward and be with our families."

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces will be showing the game scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. from Pasadena, Calif. at the Rose Bowl Stadium.